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<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation: MLS 2026 Installation and System Setup > Installation - Server and Client > Installing the Client |
Each workstation in your business network is known as a:
Client
The Client software is the working portion of MLS 2026 used by employees throughout the day.
The Client:
•retrieves data from the main server
•processes information as directed by the operator
•displays screens and reports
•saves the results back into the shared database
Very little information is stored locally on the workstation itself.
Most data remains on the server.
Local workstation settings may include:
•printer selections
•display preferences
•workstation-specific configuration values
•local cache and update files
Because the actual data remains on the server:
•backups are simplified
•updates are easier
•all workstations share the same information instantly
The Server installation must already be completed before any client workstations are installed.
Verify:
•the server software is installed
•the shared MLS2026s folder exists
•the server is visible on the network
•proper sharing permissions are active
Only after the server is operational should workstation installations begin.
The Client software is installed using:
MLS2026c.exe
This installation creates the:
MLS2026c
folder on the workstation.
The client installation file may be:
•downloaded directly
•copied from the server
•supplied by MasterLink Software
Place the file on the workstation you wish to configure.
Double click:
MLS2026c.exe
Follow the prompts presented by the installer.
For support and compatibility reasons, we strongly recommend accepting:
•the default installation folder
•the default installation structure
The first time MLS 2026 starts on a workstation, the program must locate the server data path.
A browse window will appear.
You must locate:
the MLS2026s folder on the server
⚠️ Do NOT select:
•the Data subfolder
•any internal folders
Select only:
MLS2026s
Then press:
OK
The workstation will store this location for future use.
Older installations may still use:
•MLS12s
•MLS12c
folder structures.
These installations continue to operate correctly with MLS 2026 executables and updated client files.
In these situations:
•select the existing MLS12s folder as the data path
•the current updater and database structure will continue functioning normally
This provides excellent compatibility for legacy systems.
MLS 2026 includes an automatic updating system.
The updater:
•runs continuously on the server
•downloads approved updates automatically
•updates workstation files as necessary
When a workstation starts MLS 2026, it checks the server for newer client files.
If newer files exist:
•they are copied automatically
•the workstation updates itself
•the user may see a notification indicating an update occurred
This process normally requires no operator involvement.
The workstation must know where the shared server data resides.
Normally this occurs automatically during first startup.
However, if the path must later be corrected:
•the workstation configuration can be edited manually
The path information is stored in:
CONFIG.CBA
located in the:
MLS2026c
folder on the workstation.
You may open this file using:
Windows Notepad
and edit the stored path directly.
If the saved path becomes incorrect:
•you may edit CONFIG.CBA manually
•or simply delete the CONFIG.CBA file
The next time MLS 2026 starts:
•it will prompt again for the correct server path
Most MLS 2026 installations today operate in:
LOCAL SERVER mode
This uses standard Windows networking and file sharing.
Some older installations may still use:
Advantage Database Server ( ADS )
This option remains supported for existing legacy systems.
However:
⚠️ Advantage Database Server reached End Of Life in 2015 and is no longer available for new purchase.
Because of this:
•ADS references remain in the program primarily for legacy compatibility
•new installations normally use LOCAL SERVER mode
•future replacement technologies are currently being evaluated
If an existing ADS installation is already operational:
•MLS 2026 can continue using it properly
During setup, the workstation may ask which server mode is being used.
Typical choices include:
•LOCAL SERVER
•CLIENT SERVER ( ADS )
•INTERNET CLIENT SERVER
For almost all modern installations:
LOCAL SERVER
is the correct selection.
Most installations should use:
DBF
as the data type.
Other options may appear for:
•legacy systems
•experimental configurations
•future technologies
Do not change these values unless specifically instructed by MasterLink Software support.
If MLS 2026 displays an error indicating:
CONFIG.DBF cannot be found
then:
•the workstation has likely lost connection to the server
•or the saved path is incorrect
First:
1.verify the server is powered on
2.verify the network is connected
3.reboot the workstation if necessary
If the problem continues:
•correct or recreate the CONFIG.CBA file
•then restart MLS 2026
If you encounter setup problems:
❌ DO NOT uninstall and reinstall repeatedly.
This usually:
•does not solve the problem
•may create additional issues
•can complicate troubleshooting
Most installation issues are:
•simple configuration problems
•path problems
•permissions issues
•networking issues
These can usually be corrected quickly without reinstalling the software.
MLS 2026 supports:
•local printers
•shared network printers
•Windows-installed printer devices
Each workstation may have:
•different printers
•different defaults
•different output purposes
Printer selections are stored locally on each workstation.
Once installed correctly:
•the workstation software requires very little maintenance
•updates occur automatically
•configuration remains stable
•users simply log in and work
A properly configured MLS 2026 network installation can operate reliably for many years with minimal intervention.